Stella

     I have a new woman in my life.  Her name is Stella.  She is as black as a starless night and runs like the swirling wind--directionless and indefatigable.  I haven't known her long.  And, at first, she was a little standoffish, not quite sure of my place in her world or if I even deserved to be in it.  Who is she?  How did we meet?  She is my neighbor's new black lab.  Still a puppy, she is huge and energetic.
     I don't know what made her decide we could be friends.  Perhaps it was because her older, little brother Gus let it be known quite early that I was okay.  He ignored her barking and, as usual, came running to see me whenever I was out walking the acres.  All her barking and nervousness could not deter him from coming to see the old man and to get some affection and company.  Perhaps it was because my property has lots of what she loves the most--water.  My pond and bog are her greatest delight.  She enjoys getting soaked and then running to see me to shake off the water--a prankster at heart.  Perhaps it is because when I walk the back of the property, she has acres of open land to run and on occasion a deer to chase.  (It's comical, actually, to see little blond Gus chasing a deer that could squash him in a second and to see huge black Stella in pursuit quickly taking the lead in the chase.  Gus, being a male, probably thinks the deer is running from him.  Right.  Ahhh, the male ego--even in a mutt.)   Anyway, at one point when I called Gus to come join me, Stella came running too, ears flopping, a million miles an hour, as if we had been compatriots for years.  And so a new friendship began.  Now, whenever I'm out and she's out, she comes running to join me on my walks--if you can call running in circles everywhere in the vicinity and stopping by briefly for a little petting actually walking "with me."  She appears to have only one speed--full throttle, and at times, I wonder if she'll be able to stop in time when she comes by for her brief "visits" or if she'll just bowl me over.  So far, she has demonstrated a good set of brakes.
     There is one source of tension.  Bonnie.  They are not quite sure of each other--a couple of alpha females vying for "bosshood" of the neighborhood.  They don't quarrel anymore, but the relationship is just one of tolerance.  There is a good aspect of it for me.  (Selfish idea, eh?)  When they are both outside with me, they are jealous of my attention.  Stella actually stops running around and comes and walks by my side demanding to be petted.  Bonnie puts her paws up on my chest as if to claim ownership and to get her affection.  I am a star--fussed over by two gorgeous females.  Gus, again being the typical male, is oblivious to it all--as long as he gets his attention.  He can be jealous and demanding too, racing to beat them both to my side.  Poor, stubby-legged Gus is always last.
     Anyway my walk has gotten busier, not that I mind.  I've got good furry neighbors, good brown-eyed friends, who love to see me walking about so they can join me.  I'm even in my magnanimous way willing to forgive the occasional trampling of flowers.  And a shaggy shower.